Newell - Taylor made for Tests

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell believes James Taylor's Test call-up is just reward for his county performances this season.

Last Updated: 30/07/12 7:55am

Mick Newell: Signed James Taylor from Leicestershire at start of 2012 season

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell believes James Taylor's Test call-up is just reward for his county performances this season.

Taylor, who joined Notts from Leicestershire at the start of the 2012 campaign, has been named in England's 13-man squad for the second Test against South Africa after Ravi Bopara made himself unavailable for the Headingley showdown due to personal reasons.

And Newell, who watched Taylor score his maiden first-class century for the Outlaws against Sussex on Saturday, believes the 22-year-old right-hander has the technique to succeed at the highest level.

He told the Notts official website: "I think James was next in line for a Test call given the performances he has maintained in recent years in county cricket and for England Lions.

"He has started to put together big scores in Division One of the Championship and he has shown glimpses of excellence in one-day cricket which haven't gone unnoticed.

"He is a good technical cricketer, he prepares himself very well, he knows how to occupy the crease against quality bowlers and I have seen improvement in his game this season."